Producers of The Oprah Winfrey Show had previously revealed that the television mogul had been kept in the dark about who would be appearing at the event, which is scheduled to air on May 23 and May 24.

"I feel the love and I thank you for it," said Winfrey, addressing the audience. "Thank you for being a part of this great night; this celebration of what you have done for The Oprah Winfrey Show.

"You have made it possible for us to stand for 25 years."

A string of performances took place across the evening from artists including Beyoncé, who performed her new single 'Run The World (Girls)', and Aretha Franklin, who took to the stage for a rendition of 'Amazing Grace'.